Pencil pointing device



Apnl 18, 1950 G. E. HARRINGTON PENCIL POINTING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 6, 1947 INVENTOR. George, ZJ/arrzngm/ G. E. HARRINGTON 2,504,194

PENCIL POINTING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 llllll'llll,,Illllllrllll April 1s, 195o Filed May 6, 1947 Patented Apr. 18, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to pencil-pointing devices of the character employed by draftsmen, artists, photographic retouchers and others for producing sharp points or tips on pencils used in their work.

At the present time, the best-known device used for producing points on pencils is in the form of a pad or so-called block of sand-paper or similar abrasive sheet material, and it generally consists of a plurality of superimposed abrasive sheets attached to a wooden strip formed with a handle-shaped portion at one end. In the use of this known device, the point of the pencil is moved back and forth across the uppermost sheet of abrasive material, while the pencil is rotated in the hand. until a point of satisfactory sharpness is attained. From the standpoint of economy and possible simplicity of use, such a pencil pointer has certain features which recommend it. On the other hand, a great deal of satisfaction obtained by its use must necessarily result from the skill of the user in applying the pencil point to the abrasive surface; his ability to rotate the pencil uniformly while forming the point and to hold the point at the proper angle with respect to the abrasive surface, and other facilities which require special skill on the part of the individual` A pencil pointer of the above character has the disadvantage of scattering the graphite particles about, often smudging the drafting instruments and drawings, to say nothing of the fingers of the operator, and in addition it often results in nii-center points on the pencils and requires twohanded operation.

The present invention therefore contemplates the provision of a pencil pointer of simple, sturdy and efiicient form which Will enable pencil points of various styles to be formed without requiring any skill of manipulation on the part of the user; which will have friction or abrasive means for forming the point of long life; which will enable a point to be formed on a pencil with one-handed operation; which Will collect the graphite scrapings so that the same are not scattered about, and which will possess many other advantages apparent to those having use for a device such as hereinafter described.

These and other objects are attained by the invention, a more particular description of which will hereinafter appear and be set forth in the claims appended hereto.

In the accompanying drawing, wherein an illustrative embodiment of the invention is disclosed, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the improved pencil-pointing device constructed in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the device with the cover removed and the operating mechanism lifted out of its supporting frame; Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the shaft and the disks and facings which are maintained thereon, as well as the operating knob and the ratchet wheel; Fig. 4 is a face view of one of the abrasive disks: Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view through the device, the View being taken on the line 5 5 of Fig, 6, looking in the direction o1' the arrows; Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 6 8 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 'I is a sectional view on the line 'I 'I of Fig. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 8 8 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows, and Fig. 9 is a sectional view on the line 9 9 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawing, I indicates the base or bottom member of the device, the same being of substantial thickness and weight so as to provide a firm, non-toppling support for the structure. In the drawing, the base, a casing 50 therefore, and other parts are disclosed as being possibly composed of hard rubber, plastic or similar material, but it will be obvious that the same may be composed of metal or of any other material found suitable for the purpose. The bottom or under surface of the base I may be covered with felt 2 or some non-slip material. Secured upon the upper face of the base I by means of a bolt 3, or by any other equivalent fastening means, and arising from the base, is a housing or receptacle which includes a bottom plate 4, a. pair of substantially parallel, verticallydisposed side walls 5 and 6, a front wall 1 and a rear wall 8. The latter wall is curved upwardly as at 9, to a vertical position at the top, as clearly noted in Fig. 6.

The point-forming means is carried from a flanged cover member or cap ID which frictionally nts over the top of the housing or receptacle 6|). Dependent from the cover member IB is a substantially U-shaped supporting bracket I I in which a shaft I2 is rotatively mounted, said shaft I2 carrying disks between which the point of a pencil is inserted and is manipulated to form the same to the required degree of sharpness. The bracket II includes the resilient or springy side members or lugs I3 and I 4 which are apertured to permit the passage of the shaft I2.

The details oi' the shaft and the disks thereon are disclosed in Fig. 3, wherein it will be noted that the shaft includes a stem portion I5, provided at one end with a knob I6 and internally threaded in its other end as indicated at I1. This threaded end I1 of the stem I5 is accommodated Within a recess I8 in the end of a bushing or hub I3 secured to and projecting from the concave surface of a concave-convex disk 20 provided on its convex face with a facing of felt or similar material 2 I. Said disk 2|) is mounted on the shaft I2 for co-operation with a companion disk 22 of similar shape, the disk 22 being also provided with a facing of felt 23 or the like on its convex face, the two felt-covered convex faces of the disks, being directed toward one another, as best seen in Fig. 5.

The two disks 20 and 22 are held spaced from a second set of disks, by means of a spacing sleeve 24 which is interposed between the disk 22 and a disk indicated at 25, the latter disk being provided on its convex face with a facing material 25 of rubber or other soft material of similar characteristics. Disposed over and covering the soft facing material 26 is a cup-shaped disk member 21 of sandpaper, emery cloth or some similar abrasive material which can be usefully employed for pointing the pencil in a manner to be explained. The cup shaped abrasive disk member 21 is adapted to function in co-operation with a companion abrasive disk or cup 23, removably mounted over the soft facing material 29 provided on the convex face of a disk 3D. The respective disks 2D, 22, 25 and 30 may be composed of metal, plastic or some other material of the necessary rigidity and stiffness for the purpose.

The several disks and the facings and coverings therefor are all centrally apertured, as clearly seen in Fig. 3, so that a rod 3l, forming a part of the assembly of the shaft I2, may be passed through the aligned apertures as well as through l the spacing sleeve 24 and bushing I9 to enable its threaded end 32 to threadably engage the internal threads I1 in the stem I5. Secured on one end of the stem 3| is a ratchet wheel 33, the teeth of which are normally engaged by a spring pawl 34 curving downwardly from the top plate or cross-piece 35 of the supporting bracket II.

In its assembled position, the shaft I2 and the several parts carried by it appear as seen in Fig. 5. It will be there noted that the threadable engagement of the screw threads 32 and I1 has drawn the two disks 2li and 22 together between the end of the stem I1 and one end of the spacing sleeve 24. Similarly, the two disks 25 and 3B and the abrasive cup-like disk elements 21 and 28 respectively carried by them, have been brought together and are clamped between the flanged end 3G of the spacing sleeve 24 and a hub 31 on the ratchet wheel 33. The extent to which the two pairs of disks are brought together in the relationship above described, is dependent upon the extent of the threaded engagement of the stem I with the rod 3l. When it is desired to bring the two pairs of disks firmly together, to produce a pencil point of relatively flat angu larity, the knob I6 is turned to maximum tightness, while rod 3| is held from turning by means of a. locking device in the form of a spring finger 33, secured to and extending downwardly from the top plate 35 of the supporting frame II and having a downturned end 39 acting as a detent to engage between the teeth of the ratchet wheel 33 and prevent the ratchet wheel, and hence the rod 3l secured thereto, from turning.

The locking device or detent 38 is rendered operative, when it is desired to adjust the spacing of the disks, by means of a push-button 40 at the upper end of a stem 4I which, when the pushbutton is manually depressed, is forced down-- wardly to cause the downturned end portion 39l of the member 38 to engage the ratchet wheel 33. While the ratchet wheel is so engaged and held from rotation, the knob I6 is turned to permit the disks 20 and 22 and 25 and 30 to be eitherv brought together or to separate to a desired extent. Upon the release of finger pressure on the button 4D, the button will be elevated by a spring 42, allowing the spring finger 38 to arise` and lift its downturned end or detent 39 to free it from engagement with the ratchet wheel 33. Provided in the top of the cover member Ill are guide sleeves 43 and 44 through which a pencil 45 is inserted to have its pointed end received between either pair of disks. For example, when inserted through the guide sleeve 43, the point of the pencil will be brought between the abrasive disk members 21 and 28, carried respectively by the disks 25 and 3U, and when the pencil is twirled or spun by the fingers while a relatively slight downward pressure is imposed upon it, the abrasive disks 21 and 28 will form a sharply pointed tip or terminal on the end of the pencil. When a pencil is inserted through the guide sleeve 44, the point of the pencil will be brought between the felt facings 2l and 23 and when the pencil is spun or rotated in the manner just described, the point will be cleaned or wiped free of graphite particles by the felt surfaces. The guide sleeves are preferably freely rotatable with the pencil to provide smooth rotative action.

The operating parts of the device are enclosed in a suitable casing 5U, which, in the embodiment shown, is a cup shaped member fitted over the base I and enclosing the various elements disposed above the same. The casing includes a top 5I provided with the openings 52 and 53 aligning respectively with the pencil-guiding sleeves 44 and 43 to thereby permit the passage of the pencil to reach these sleeves and enter between the disks in the manner heretofore described. An ornamental plate is shown at the top of the casing, and is formed with suitable apertures to align with those in the top 5I and to permit the exposure of the push-button 40.

In the assembly of the device, the shaft with the various disks thereon is assembled in the manner described. By turning the knob I6, the threaded parts I1 and 32 will be engaged to an extent permitted by the pawl 34 holding the rod 3| from turning while the stem I5 is being turned. When the parts are tightened to a predetermined extent, further turning of the knob will cause the entire shaft I5 to be turned while the pawl clicks from one space to the next between the teeth on the ratchet Wheel 33. Each click of the pawl sets new sharpening surfaces on the abrasive disks 21 and 2B below the pencil-guiding sleeve 43 and presents new point-polishing surfaces on the felt facings 2| and 23 below the pencil guide 44. Thus, after pointing and cleaning a pencil, fresh surfaces on the pointing and cleaning disks are secured by merely turning the knob I6 for one notch. When it is desired to bring the several disks on the shaft I5 into more intimate contact, or to increase the pressure between the disks in each pair, this is done by depressing the push-button 4l! and holding it down while turning the knob I6. Such manipulation will result in the rod 3| being held stationary while the stem I5 is turned and the disks will be clamped together 5 with greater firmness, which results in the production of a pointed end oi a lesser degree oi' angularity on the pencil.

In producing a pointed end on a pencil, the pencil is iirst sharpened in the usual manner with knife or pencil sharpener and then the pointed end of the pencil is inserted through aperture 53 to enter the guide sleeve 43 and reach a position between the two abrasive disks 2l and 28. The pencil is then twisted or turned between the fingers with a rolling motion for a few times while slowly increasing downward pressure on the pencil as the grains of the graphite are removed by frictional contact with the abrasive surfaces of the disks 21 and 28. The pressure on the pencil should be decreased as the pencil is withdrawn. After the point has been produced, it may be wiped or cleaned by inserting it through the aperture M to reach the felt facings 2i and 23, and if the pencil is spun or twirled a few times between the fingers, it Will be cleaned and polished by these iacings. All of the particles of graphite removed from the point of the pencil by the pointing and wiping operations will fall into the housing or receptacle 68 which acts to collect these particles and to prevent them from being scattered to reach the fingers, drawings or surfaces of the draftsman's or artists table. After a point has once been formed in the manner described, it may be kept in proper condition by inserting it in the pointer and merely turning the pencil once or twice between the lingers. The pointing of a pencil with the apparatus is a one-handed operation since the device is self-sustaining, and if the base thereof is made sulliciently weighty and thus maintained from shifting on the surface of a desk or table, the pencil may be pointed with one hand with ease and facility.

With the means heretofore described, a point s is provided on the pencil which will be accurately conical and which according to the setting of the disks between which. the point is inserted, may be of the desired inclination. For those who desire a wedge-shaped point occasionally for certain types of work, a separate surface is provided at 62, the same consisting of a strip of abrasive material secured on the plate 4 of the housing or receptacle. The casing 58 may be provided with a slot or aperture 63, if desired, through which the point of a pencil may be inserted for rubbing application against the abrasive strip 6I to produce a point of desired shape.

The device is constructed that the same may be disassembled with ease, for cleaning or for replacement of worn abrasive disks, since this is done by merely unthreading the stem I5, removing the casing 58, then lifting oi the cover member Iii, as shown in Fig. 2. The cover brings the various disks away with it, and by springing the lugs I3 and i4 apart, the rod 3| and disks can be removed and new abrasive disks put in place or other parts replaced.

While l have shown and described one ernbodiment of the invention, it is obvious that the same is not to be restricted thereto but is broad enough to cover all structures coming within the scope of the annexed claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a pencil-pointing device, a base, a receptacle arising therefrom, a top on said iecep tacle, lugs dependent from said top, a shaft rotativn in said lugs, more than one pair oi' disks sha1 t, said disks beingr arranged in pairs, the disks of at least one pair being provided with convexl abrasive-surfaced iaoings directed rd. one another, clamping means on the shaft for adjusting the pressure imposed between the in each pair, said clamping means being regulated by rotative movement 0f a part of he shaft while another part oi' the shaft is heh against rotative movement, manually-controlled means for holding the latter part of the shaft against rotative movement, a rover member arising from the base and enclos- 1oported f said cover having apertures ici-med in il to cause the point thereof weon the disks of one or the on the shaft, whereby the penrotated about its longitudinal are held against rotative its point sharpened, the ree -art disposed beneath the disks tch the grap ite scrapings.

in a pencil-pointing device, a rotatable twort shalt, pair oi sharpening disks thereon, rn on the snai t for exerting clamping pressure on the disks, said means including an adjustable engagement between two parts of the shait that a rotatable movement of the first part of the shaft while the second part is held stationary will adjust the pressure of the disks. means by which the second port of the shaft can i be held stationary during adjustment of the disks, a knob by which the shaft may be rotated as a unit, a ratchet on the shaft and a pawl engaging the same to hold the disks from rotation while the point of a pencil is twirled between the disks while the disks are held stationary.

3. In a pencil-pointing device, a shaft, a pair of abrasive-faced disks maintained on said shaft with their abrasive faces directed toward each other, a casing in which the disks are contained, said casing having an aperture through which the pointed end of a pencil is inserted to position said end of the pencil between the abrasive faces of the disks, said aperture being of a size and shape to permit manual rotative movement of the pencil while so inserted, ratchet means ior maintaining the shaft against rotative movement to thereby hold the disks stationary while the pencil is being manually rotated, and a portion of the shaft extended out of the casing and having e ringer-piece to permit the shaft to be manually turned when desired to present clean surfaces of the disks adjacent to the aperture.

GEORGE E. HARRINGTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,179,727 Kelley Apr. 18, 1916 1,267,791 Oliver May 28, 1918 1,332,091 Abbott Feb. 24, 1920 1,682,216 Dellaree et al Aug. 28, 1928 2,279,672 Gerwig Apr. 14, 1942 

